Volume 9, Issue 6 | June 2020
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Greetings!
Well, this month marked another revolution completed around the sun for me—the number is growing so large and so quickly, that I’m practically dizzy! However, I can still honestly say that I feel like I’m only in my 30s.
Through all these revolutions, singing has always been such an integral part of my life, of my soul. It is only in hindsight in reflecting back on my days as a devout atheist, that I came to realize that it was my singing that connected me somehow to something greater than myself.
Yet it seems only of late that I'm really seeing what a huge part of my life it truly is. Perhaps it's because during this COVID-19 time the choir I am a member of, along with the director, have been meeting online weekly not to rehearse but to connect and talk about personal experiences related to music, a unique experience for me, for sure! We’ve shared about when we first realized the importance of music in our life; our favorite song; what other art form we would choose if music wasn’t our form of artistic expression; what song in a movie/theatre production made a lasting impression; and more. I’ve never had the opportunity to share about such topics with anyone, let alone people for whom music is as integral to their lives as it is to mine. What a treat, what a blessing!
The following song made a strong impression on me because its subject was bold for its time (1950s) and so spot on; I was thrilled that its creators voiced such wisdom and conveyed ethics in a performance piece for the masses. Synchronistically, its subject is quite timely now when great discussion of race, equality, and unity is underway and history is in the making.
When Rodgers and Hammerstein were told by the Broadway folks that the song couldn’t be in the stage performance, they said “That’s the entire point of our story. You can’t leave it out.” How grand for all of us that they stood their ground--and won!
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We are each born pure and divine. We must be carefully taught to stray away from our true selves, and from love. Thankfully, through music, other art forms, prayer, meditation, gratitude, and more, we can remember who we truly are and be the love that is so needed in the world today.
Blessings,
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Inspiration and Contemplation
Happiness
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Spirituality
Shift and Lift
By Kalila Volkov
Choosing to escape chaos
We can release ourselves to quiet
And surrender to the ocean of breath,
Joy and gratitude ablaze in our hearts.
As we remember to trust divine wisdom
We take a step into paradise
And linger where all is comfort.
Resting in awareness
Of soul wholeness
We can soak in the power of positivity
And bathe in a galaxy of peace,
Letting our gifts of blessings pour out.
May we all attune to our gentle inner teacher,
Dipping into Spirit’s well of serenity.
Let’s connect with our centers and each other,
With the true sight of nonjudgement,
And restore an undivided brotherhood.
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People Making a Difference
An Unexpected Singing Partner Joins Student Recording the National Anthem
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While filming the national anthem for Portland State University’s virtual commencement ceremonies on the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, a stranger asked the filmmakers if they could sing with PSU graduate Madisen Hallberg.
They figured, “Why not?” It turned out the “stranger” was Emmanuel Henreid, a classically trained singer, dancer, actor and pianist who goes by “Onry.” He currently sings for the Portland Opera, Opera Maui, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and Gospel Choir Kingdom Sound, as well as teaches students around the globe.
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Well, it may be June 30 but if you told me it was snowing out, I might not bat an eye!
Thanks to stay-at home protocols, I've only be going outdoors for the rare early morning walk, and about every two weeks to go grocery shopping. So when friends were conjuring up birthday dinner plans and only finding restaurants offering only take-out not dine-in, I got into an adventurous mood and suggested we do take-out and go picnic. They immediately protested, informing me of the heat, bringing me back to the reality of Phoenix's 110-degree weather--I had totally forgotten it was now summer.
Keep cool!
Blessings and cyber hugs,
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Joyce S. Kaye
, MSW
928.301.7292
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e-newsletter designed, developed, written, and published by Joyce S. Kaye
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You, Me, and Spirit
I was a devout atheist until 30 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God--and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)--and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do -- including working with clients in my own business and in the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
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